Karen Johnson last week was announced as the new chief deputy executive director of operations for Covered California, the state health insurance marketplace. In her new position, she will oversee the Information Technology, Financial Management and Administrative Services divisions.
Johnson currently serves as the California Department of Health Care Services’ chief deputy director, a position she's held since 2007, where she directs day-to-day operations. As chief deputy director, Johnson has been involved in the replacement of the California Medicaid Management Information System (CA-MMIS). Johnson attended a legislative budget hearing in May, where she spoke in support of a more agile approach to project design, scale and timing.
Prior to her work with DHCS, Johnson served as the deputy director of administration for the California State Board of Equalization and has held several positions with the Department of Food and Agriculture. She also worked as an auditor for the U.S. Department of Defense, before beginning her 20-year career with the state of California.
“With Karen, we are getting a seasoned public servant who will help us move Covered California into the future,” said Covered California Executive Peter Lee in a press release. “As with the recent appointment of Doug McKeever as chief deputy executive director for Programs, it is further testament to all we have done over the past five years and our potential for the future that Karen is also excited to join our team.”
Covered California is an independent part of state government, overseen by five-member Board of Directors appointed by both the governor and the legislature. The annual salary for Johnson's position with Covered California is $190,000.
